What Guilford middle school students say about recent efforts to combat racism

and promote awareness of diversity in the Brattleboro area:

I’m proud of where I live—that even when terrible things like racism that occurred in the high school happened, we don’t turn our shoulder and ignore it. It takes true strength to stand up against this—and that’s really what we’re doing. I’ve never really thought of our community as strong before, but there you have it. I think we should all do our part. Although racial barriers are wide, our community has and will make a plan to fight racism, and—one shovel at a time—clear away misunderstandings and hatred that mud the water, leaving a more peaceful, educated people behind.

These action plans are much needed in our community not only to have a town free of racism, but also to bring Brattleboro back as a whole, working towards a common goal.

When I read this article I partly felt upset because racism is such a nasty thing. I also felt blind to this attitude that is everywhere, but I haven’t noticed it yet. Racism is not a nice subject you will think more about this issue that is all around us but that you don’t necessarily see.

The entire community has taken a small step to promote tolerance.

I do not agree with the students involved in the incident, and I hope it doesn’t happen again. The Brattleboro community is doing a wonderful thing, and I think it will go far. I hope to see more people from all over the world not be worried about coming or afraid to come here. The town of Brattleboro can do many things to prevent racism from becoming an issue, and has already gotten a pretty good head start.

I think if everybody does their part in making Brattleboro more diverse and welcoming, change will come.

Brattleboro has formed the No Bystander Movement, which asks people to speak up when something unacceptable is seen or heard. I’m glad people are finally taking a stand against racism. I hope this is happening in other towns. I can’t wait for the day when racism is not a problem and everyone is treated equal.

The recent No Bystander Movement is a good example of taking a small step to promote tolerance among the community, asking people to step up when they see something like racism happening. Hopefully this will stop racism.

I personally like the [No Bystander Movement], but it does have some drawbacks. The whole point is to prevent fights that start with discrimination, and this movement could result in just that. I really like the idea of stopping discrimination, but I feel it is pointless. There is a lot of discrimination in this country, but it has always been there and will always be there. I think we should just let it run its course.

I think that these solutions are great starts for fixing the racism problem. I don’t know if the skateboard park is the best answer possible, because it could be a place where racism is a problem and needs to be fixed again. I’m not sure how the website is going to help [prevent] racism. I also think that we’re going to need more ideas and the whole community to help fix these problems. Racism has become more and more of a problem, and we’re trying to come up with a solution…fast!

I think some sort of activity or occasion involves different ethnicities would be one of the easiest ways to spread "Ubuntuism" among the county. If we all do something small, we can make a big difference.

If they get people to mix and have fun then people are less likely to to discriminated, or others racist.

Although cruel actions and comments may have tainted Brattleboro's environment before, this town has shown its ability to come together, and proven that with an open mind and loving heart, we can overcome anything.